in 1925 and elected three times after that. and as faith spanta reports in 2000, one of the most important things he did was to fight the kukluxklan in alameda county. >> reporter: 1,500 masked men in white robes and 500 initiates gather. >> are you a native born white gentile american? will you strive for the maintenance of the supremacy. >> reporter: under the strict rules of the clan was allowed to attend. he tribed the scene as quote an almost terrifying human aisle of white. who were these masked men swearing allegiance to hate. chris romburg says the list of kkk members might surprise you. >> included people like professional, small businessmen, sales men, skilled craft workers. members of the oakland fire department. even the son of a congressman. >> reporter: cross burnings were common, albany hill now the sight of condos was a site favored by the klan. these east bay hills were alive with the sign of hate. crosses burning so bright people say you could see them from pinol to berkeley. one of the largest public displays